VOLUME 8, ISSUE 8 | MAY 2020
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Annual Budget Study Session In light of the recent events, the Budget Study Session which is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, 2020 from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM will now be hosted virtually. Members of the public will still be able to watch the Budget Study Session which will be live streamed from the City of Vallejo’s website, by clicking here. The session will also be aired on Comcast Channel 28, and public will be able to submit their comments remotely. The Budget Study Session agenda can be accessed by clicking here. The session will be open to public comment via the internet by clicking here, which can be accessed anytime after 7:00 AM, Tuesday, June 2nd. Comments will be read out loud during the virtual meeting. Public comment time regarding the Budget Study Session, will be at the beginning of the meeting prior to the start of staff presentations. The City Manager’s Budget Letter may be read here.
Water Distribution Adds More Safety and Efficiency to the Team Through New "Leak Trucks" Efficient. Safe. Spacious. This is how Water Distribution Superintendent, Oscar Alcantar and Assistant Distribution Superintendent, Frederick Mayo would describe their new service trucks. The Water Department added two Peterbilt-based trucks to their fleet; affectionately known in the field as “leak trucks”. The Water Distribution team acquired these vehicles to help them make sure drinking water flows smoothly from the treatment plant to customers without interruption from main breaks and leaks. This important work requires prompt responses to breaks and pipe leaks, along with the tools to do it – and these trucks do the job!
PROGRAM & PROJECT UPDATES
The new service trucks are capable of carrying necessary supplies to jobs without the need for a second trip to round up more tools. Previous work trucks were often overloaded and unable to carry all necessary equipment while the new vehicles allow for rolling inventory and immediate access to well-organized supplies. This simple improvement leads to quicker repairs and safer conditions for employees and residents. Water Distribution operations often requires late night repair work; limited lighting poses challenges for crew members. Fortunately, that’s a thing of the past as safety lighting, a heavy duty crane, and tool lift allows the hard-working team to work more safely and efficiently. Visibility for the crew and the public nearby is greatly improved by the truck’s lighting and size. The trucks equip the team with additional readiness thanks to features like a heavy duty air compressor, hydraulic water pump, jackhammer and spade lift, room to carry trench shoring jacks and boards, and a microwave for those long jobs to keep the crew fueled late into the night. We are happy to welcome these two vehicles to the fleet. Be sure to wave when you see them rolling through the City streets! For more information about the Water Department, visit VallejoWater.org. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 8 | MAY 2020
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EV Chargers Installed at Vallejo Station Parking Garage The City has recently completed the installation of ten electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in the Vallejo Station Parking Structure near the Ferry Terminal. The chargers are 40 amp ChargePoint chargers and are available on the P1 level of the parking garage.
Additional information on parking can be found at parkvallejo.net.
Planning Division Approves Multifamily Residential Development On May 8, 2020, the City of Vallejo Planning Division approved a multifamily residential development involving 47 apartment units at 1700 Fairgrounds Drive. Five of the 47 units will be filed as affordable, pursuant to Senate Bill 35. The project will include a leasing office, bicycle storage, private and common open space, and landscape frontage improvements along Fairgrounds Drive, Taper Avenue, and Griffin Drive. There are 47 covered parking spaces provided in an open garage layout below the units with access from Griffin Drive. The full report can be found here.
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CITY MANAGER’S REPORT | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 8 | MAY 2020
PROGRAM & PROJECT UPDATES
The installation of the chargers was funded by two grants secured by the Public Works Department, one from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and the other from the Solano Transportation Agency. There is currently no additional cost to use the chargers other than the cost of parking in the garage, however the system is set up to allow for the City to impose a cost to charge in the future.
City of Vallejo to Reopen Mare Island Preserve After several months of closure due to restoration efforts, a wildfire, and the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mare Island Preserve reopened to the public for limited weekend access, starting with a small Memorial Day service held on Monday, May 25.
PROGRAM & PROJECT UPDATES
The Memorial Day service took place in the Mare Island Naval Cemetery at 10 a.m. on May 25, 2020. The historic cemetery is the resting place of several Medal of Honor recipients, as well as the daughter of “Star Spangled Banner” composer, Francis Scott Key. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a limited number of pre-registered people were allowed to enter the preserve for the event to ensure the safety of all attendees. Attendees were required to register for the event beforehand. Registration was held on a first-come, first-serve basis. Those who were not registered were not permitted to enter the preserve for the May 25 ceremony. Beginning Friday, May 29, the Preserve opened to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The number of individuals and vehicles permitted to enter the Preserve is limited to no more than 50 people and 30 vehicles at one time to ensure the safety of all visitors. Security will be on site to control the flow of visitors and ensure that individuals practice social distancing while on Preserve property. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, loitering and group gatherings is strictly prohibited. Face coverings are recommended, for passing other guests on the pathways. The City of Vallejo closed the Mare Island Preserve in October 2019 after a series of wildfires burned over 40 acres. Since the fire, City staff has addressed various wildfire-related issues on the open space, including shoring up burned areas and addressing safety issues resulting from severe fire damage. In addition, the Department of Defense’s Innovative Readiness Training Program, known as IRT, has also been working on grading, drainage, fencing repair in the Naval Cemetery and Preserve. You can learn more about the project by watching the City Council meeting link here. The Army Corps of Engineers suspended their work in March 2020 due to COVID-19 and the Preserve has remained closed to the public. The Army Corp of Engineers has tentative plans to resume construction in July 2020, which will require a closure of the Preserve until the project is complete. For more information Mare Island Preserve’s current operating hours and guidelines, please contact Erin Hanford, erin.hanford@cityofvallejo.net , (707) 648-5406.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 8 | MAY 2020
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Water System Portable Generators: Hope for The Best, Prepared For the Worst
It has been a major undertaking to purchase these units as demand for standby generators increased following last year’s PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). Funding for the units was shared by the City and the State. The Water Department applied for a resiliency grant and was awarded $217,000 from the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to offset a significant portion of the costs. This funding coupled with Capital Improvement Project funds brought about the successful procurement of these portable emergency generators. This important effort to secure generators was led by the Water Facilities Division who experienced first-hand the strain the outages had on the water system. The Facilities Division is responsible for maintaining the City’s treatment plants, pump stations, reservoirs and watershed lands, lakes, and dams. Our long-distance pipelines, both raw and treated water systems, depend on electrical power to pump water where it is needed. Because of this reliance on power, local access and control of these generators is vital to reducing the water system’s vulnerability in the event of a power disruption.
Water Facilities Superintendent, John Palesi, shared that last year numerous rentals had to be secured during multiple PSPS events and costs to the Department were high. Palesi added that the new units “are fully outfitted and ready to roll within minutes” and because of this planning and preparation, customers can expect minimized impacts in service during power outages or interruptions. The generators, ranging from 40 - 322 horsepower, give us a lot more security and flexibility during emergencies. In addition to the generators’ ability to provide power to critical pumping stations, they are also efficient. They all have large run-time fuel tanks to allow at least 24 hours of fuel between refueling, have sound attenuated enclosures to minimize running noise levels, are outfitted with GPS monitoring devices that will allow remote viewing of locations and monitor critical engine components, with solar powered battery chargers to ensure they are ready to be deployed at a moment’s notice. As author Stephen King once said, “there’s no harm in hoping for the best as long as you’re prepared for the worst”. We are hoping for the best but with these generators we are well prepared to continue water service in the event of a planned or unplanned power outage. The portable generators are welcomed and important additions to the Water team!
For more information about the Water Department, visit VallejoWater.org Page 5
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 8 | MAY 2020
PROGRAM & PROJECT UPDATES
Continuity of water service remains a top priority for the Water team who recently secured nine portable generators. During planned or unplanned power outages, the generators will provide back-up power to critical water system pumping stations.
COVID-19 Testing Ever wonder what it's like to get tested for COVID-19?
Click here to take a little trip with our Public Information Officer, Christina Lee, to see what it’s like! Are you ready to get tested in Vallejo? Free testing is available to anyone who wants it. You do not need to have symptoms to get tested. To book an appointment, visit lhi.care/covidtesting or call (888) 634-1123.
COMMUNITY
Special thanks to La Clinica Vallejo for performing the test.
Sign Up for Alert Solano In an effort to send important messages during emergencies, public officials, including the Solano County Sheriff’s Office and local fire and police departments, are urging all local residents who live, work, play, or travel through Solano County to sign up for its emergency alert system. Alert Solano efficiently delivers messages and information during incidents and emergencies as they occur via email, cell phone, and/or text messaging. With the ability to send text messages to cell phones in certain areas, like Amber Alerts, Alert Solano can make 100,000 calls at once. Subscribers will be able to provide customized information to allow the most efficient delivery of emergency information and are also able to register multiple devices including cell phones, smartphones and tablets. To register for Alert Solano through the self-registration portal, click here.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 8 | MAY 2020
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Face Masks Required In a unanimous vote, City Council passed an Emergency Order requiring the use of face masks in public spaces. The City’s number one priority is to protect the health and safety of our community members and staff during this pandemic. The City has received multiple emails, phone calls, and social media post responses from concerned community members and business owners regarding an order requiring the wearing of masks. The decision to enact this emergency order was not taken lightly by the City Council. It was a bold and necessary action to set this precedent for our community in addressing its concerns.
To read the full Order, which contains five parts, click here.
City Hall Hours City Hall has reopened to the public! Our new hours are 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Monday through Thursday. For the safety of you and others, a face-covering is required at all times while inside City Hall. A face covering can be anything from a mask to a scarf or a bandana, as long as your mouth and nose are covered. Updates on the City’s response to COVID-19, including resources, continue to be available at cityofvallejo.net/NCOV. We appreciate your thoughtfulness to protect yourself and others while conducting your business at City Hall. Thank you!
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CITY MANAGER’S REPORT | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 8 | MAY 2020
COMMUNITY
The beginning of the Emergency Order states “Each person over the age of five years old shall wear a mask or cloth face covering which covers both mouth and nose (“Face Mask”) at all times when in an enclosed space open to members of the public…”
Wildland Safety Throughout California, wildfires will continue to be fueled by a build-up of seasonal dry vegetation driven by extreme dry conditions and local strong winds, making brush fuels extremely dangerous and challenging for firefighters. The Vallejo Fire Department stands ready to quickly respond and contain wildfires, but we can't do this without your cooperation. The "Ready! Set! Go!" brochure is intended to provide valuable information on being prepared in the event of an immediate evacuation order due to an emergency like a brush fire.
COMMUNITY
The "Defensible Space" brochure provides critical information on proper protecting your family and property associated with the threat of wildland fires.Both brochures (below) can be downloaded and referred to for preplanning and preparation. Please take the time to learn how to create and maintain a defensible space around your property and how to harden your home against flying embers. You play the most important role in protecting your family and home in the event of wildland fires evacuations and other significant emergencies. Prepare yourself by taking the necessary steps to give you, your family, and property the best chance of surviving a devastating wildfire. For additional information, please visit the Fire Department's website.
Clothing Manufacturer Donates Masks to Fire Department Clothing manufacturer Willy California donated 100 cloth face coverings to the Vallejo Fire Department on May 13 to help ensure our first responders and the community they serve remain protected from potential spread of COVID-19. While cloth face coverings serve a lower level of protection than surgical or N95 masks, they do provide “source control.” This means that if a person happens to be an asymptomatic carrier of COVID19, a face covering reduces the chance of that carrier spreading the disease to people they contact. Solano Public Health strongly encourages all residents wear face coverings any time that they are in a public setting, in addition to heightened hand hygiene and social distancing practices. Click here for more information from the Solano Public Health Department on the COVID-19 emergency. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 8 | MAY 2020
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COVID-19 Business Recovery Plan The City of Vallejo recognizes the real need for our community to re-open for business. The City recognizes the need for physical and economic health and wants to support its residents and businesses with these recommendations to keep us safe and healthy. City of Vallejo staff will continue to provide on-site and online support to businesses and residents until we resume to full time in-person, regular business hours. This document contains recommendations which are not necessarily regulatory, unless specifically required by a local, County, State or Federal agency. The City of Vallejo is closely monitoring government policy changes, Center of Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, government mandates, and Public Health directives. The City will continue to adjust as necessary or appropriate to these recommended procedures and work to support businesses and residents during this difficult time.
Outdoor Dining Permits As the State allows counties to move deeper into Phase 2 of reopening, the City of Vallejo realizes that some restaurants and cafes may not be able to meet the social distancing requirements for indoor dining, which could hinder their operations and reopening efforts. Outdoor seating could provide a solution. To assist our restaurants and cafes, we have streamlined the permitting process to allow outdoor dining, with specific requirements, at no cost to restaurants, for the first six months.
Outdoor seating areas may be located: On public or private sidewalks in front of a restaurant or cafe (with a 4-foot clearance for pedestrians) Within a parklet (utilizing 1-4 parking spaces on-street) Within a public or private parking lot in front of the restaurant or café
To learn more, or to apply for an outdoor dining permit, click here. Questions may be directed to Annette Taylor, Senior Community Development Analyst via email at annette.taylor@cityofvallejo.net or by phone at (707) 649-3510.
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CITY MANAGER’S REPORT | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 8 | MAY 2020
COMMUNITY
Click here to view the Recovery Plan.
Applications for Boards and Commissions
COMMUNITY
The City of Vallejo is requesting applications to serve on the City’s Boards and Commissions. Vallejo residents who are interested in serving on an advisory body are invited to submit an application and supplemental questionnaire for consideration. There are currently openings on the following Boards and Commissions: • Beautification Commission (2) • Design Review Board (2) • Housing & Community Development Commission (1) • Human Relations Commission (1) • McCune Collection Commission (2) • Planning Commission (2) • Participatory Budgeting Steering Committee (PBSC) (1) • *Vallejo Housing Authority Board – Tenant Commissioner (1)
*Applicants for the Vallejo Housing Authority Board of Commissioners must be a participant in the HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher Program at the time of application. In accordance with Health & Safety Code Section 34272(a), tenant commissions shall be appointed for a term of two years. With the exception of the Beautification, Human Relations, McCune Collection and PBSC, all appointed members must complete and file a Statement of Economic Interests, Form 700 within 30 days of appointment. All City Board and Commission members must complete AB 1234 Ethics training and file a Certificate of Completion with within 30 days of appointment. In most instances, to be eligible for appointment, applicants must be residents of the City of Vallejo. Information regarding the duties of each board and commission, and specific criteria for appointment may be found within each application. With some exceptions, appointments are typically for a term of four years. Applications must be received no later than close of business on Friday, June 12. City Council interviews have tentatively been scheduled for Monday, June 15 and, Monday, June 22, if needed. Interviews will start as early as 5 p.m. Applicants must attend the interview in order to be considered for appointment. Application forms and supplemental questionnaires are accessible in several ways: The City’s website, located on the City Clerk’s page under Boards and Commissions.
At City Hall, Office of the City Clerk, 555 Santa Clara Street, 3rd Floor, Vallejo, CA
By e-mail at dawn.abrahamson@cityofvallejo.net, or by phone at (707) 648-4527
By Mail: City of Vallejo C/O City Clerk PO Box 3068 Vallejo, CA 94590
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 8 | MAY 2020
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VFD Responds to Fire at Mira Theatre
DEPARTMENTS IN ACTION
At approximately 12 a.m. on May 3rd, Firefighters were alerted to a fire at Mira Theater on Daniels Street. Upon arrival, Firefighters found several trees on the theater property on fire, threatening the building. Firefighters quickly established their attack and were able to extinguish the fire with minimal smoke and water damage to the exterior of the theater.
Firefighter Apprentices Continue Training
While this training may not be as exciting as some of the others, it is critical that Firefighters are able to inspect their apparatus' to ensure it is safe to operate. Fire Engines and all apparatus are checked daily to ensure its compliance with safety protocols.
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CITY MANAGER’S REPORT | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 8 | MAY 2020
PERSONNEL
Fire Department staff continue to conduct regular training to practice and hone critical skills. Third Year Apprentices are pictured going through Driver and Engine checkout and maintenance training.
PERSONNEL City of Vallejo Welcomes Brittany K. Jackson, Public Information Officer for VPD The City of Vallejo is pleased to announce the hiring of Brittany K. Jackson as the Vallejo Police Department Public Information Officer. Jackson, who comes to the City from Los Angeles County, began her new role on May 11. Jackson has more than nine years of experience spanning a diverse range of communications and government roles. She most recently served as a Management Analyst in LA County's Department of Public Social Services Human Resources Division, where her responsibilities included communications and marketing in addition to traditional HR duties. Jackson has previously held positions as CEO of boutique PR and visual production firms; contributing writer and oncamera correspondent for the Los Angeles Sentinel/LA Watts Times. She's also served as PR specialist, social media consultant and event planner for private industries; and congressional communications intern for U.S. Representative Marcia L. Fudge. Jackson holds a B.A. in Journalism, Political Science minor from Howard University and a Master's in Public Administration, Urban Studies and Planning concentration from California State University, Northridge. "I'm happy to welcome Brittany to the City of Vallejo as we continue to enhance our police departments' communications," said City Manager Greg Nyhoff. "Vallejo has been making great strides in improving the relationship between the Vallejo Police Department and our community and hiring Brittany to share her communications skills is one more step in the right direction." In her role as VPD's Public Information Officer, Brittany will be part of a team working in tandem with the City Manager's office to plan and implement communications for the department. VPD is led by Police Chief Shawny Williams, who was sworn in on November 12, 2019. "Since the day I became Chief, I have worked with our Human Resource Department on hiring a Public Information Officer," Williams said. "We conducted a very thorough recruitment process involving multiple rounds of interviews and an extensive background check. It's truly an honor to have Brittany on the team. She is extremely talented with a proven track record in communications, community engagement, creating social media presence and rebranding organizations. Our community is very blessed to have Brittany as their Public Information Officer, who is also a Vallejo native, Spanish speaker and video production specialist. Jackson, who moved from Southern California back to her hometown of Vallejo for the position, is already enjoying opportunities to engage with the Vallejo community, despite current challenges related to COVID19. "I'm a Vallejo native, so returning in this capacity is a blessing and a full-circle moment for me. I believe this position will give me the unique opportunity of ensuring that the positive plans for the City of Vallejo and our Police Department are realized," Jackson said. "I know there has been a tremendous focus on behalf of the City to improve communications between the police department and the Vallejo community, so it is a privilege for me to take on this role and do everything I can to support that effort." CITY MANAGER’S REPORT | VOLUME 8, ISSUE 8 | MAY 2020
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